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malinois

The Malinois is a medium-sized, short-haired dog that appears square in its outline. Although they are often confused with the German Shepherd Dog by the general public, they are squarer in profile and lighter-boned with a more refined head. The Malinois is fawn, red or grey in colour with black shading on the hair tips. Their tails are usually darker or have a black tip, the face is a black mask and the ears are mostly black. Adult dogs measure between 61-66cm and females between 56-61cm. They weigh between 27.5-28.5kg.

Overview

The Malinois is a medium-sized, short-haired dog that appears square in its outline. Although they are often confused with the German Shepherd Dog by the general public, they are squarer in profile and lighter-boned with a more refined head. The Malinois is fawn, red or grey in colour with black shading on the hair tips. Their tails are usually darker or have a black tip, the face is a black mask and the ears are mostly black. Adult dogs measure between 61-66cm and females between 56-61cm. They weigh between 27.5-28.5kg.

Origin

The Malinois dog breed, or Belgian Shepherd Dog, comes in four varieties: the Laekenois, Tervueren, Groenendael and Malinois, named after the areas in Belgium from which they came. Hard working sheepdogs from Belgium have been recognised since the Middle Ages. In the 1890s a professor of the Belgian School of Veterinary Sciences recorded standards for the various types of Belgian sheepdogs. It was noted that they were all similar in type with the main difference being the coat. The Professor then divided them into varieties and advised breeding them as separate breeds. The Malinois dog was the first of the Belgian sheepdogs to develop a type and to breed true to this. It was also the first to become popular.

Personality

The Malinois dog is not a breed for those wanting 'just a dog' – this is an affectionate, devoted companion, who will protect his home and family. As with all breeds with a guarding tendency, it is not advisable to encourage the guarding instincts when young, as they can get confused and start guarding you in inappropriate situations. Their natural guarding instincts will kick in, if and when necessary.

Health

As with many breeds, all varieties of the Malinois can suffer from hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Exercise

The Malinois dog needs two hours-plus of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Highly trainable, he can excel at agility, obedience and other canine 'sports'. They are very active dogs and should not be considered as pets if they are to be left alone all day.

Nutrition

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

Grooming

The Malinois is a short-haired dog with a woolly undercoat. The hair is thicker on the tail and around the neck; the hindquarters have longer hair and the tail is bushy. With a low-maintenance coat, the Malinois just needs grooming once a week.